Abstract: A method for calibrating a thermometer is disclosed. The thermometer comprises a primary temperature sensor for determining the temperature of a target. The thermometer also comprises a reference temperature sensor positioned proximate to the primary temperature sensor and being responsive to an extraneous temperature affecting the primary temperature sensor. One calibration method calibrates the reference temperature sensor. This calibration can utilize a non-electrically conductive liquid bath for temperature control. Another calibration method calibrates the reference temperature sensor and the primary temperature sensor.

Abstract: An electronic thermometer includes an automatic activating system for automatically configuring the thermometer between an active state (broadly, the thermometer is turned on) and a non-active state (broadly, the thermometer is turned off). In general the activating system includes a solid-state activating sensor, such as a Hall-effect sensor, in a housing of the thermometer and a magnet in a probe of the thermometer for activating the sensor when the probe is received in a probe well.

Abstract: An electronic thermometer is configured for ease and accuracy in construction. A probe of the thermometer includes a flex circuit containing electronic components used to measure temperature and transmit signals to a calculating unit of the thermometer. A locating member supported by the probe can function to pre-position the flex circuit prior to final fixation so that the electronic components are reliably positioned in manufacture.

Abstract: A fluid conduit connector apparatus that the approximates pneumatic characteristics of a removed pneumatic system component when a fluid conduit is removed from a pneumatic system. The fluid conduit connector apparatus includes a port portion having a valve disposed therein. The valve closes to provide a reduced fluid orifice when a fluid conduit is removed from the port. The reduced fluid orifice is configured to provides pneumatic characteristics of the device being disconnected to facilitate uninterrupted operation of a timed pressure source having pneumatic sensing capability.

Abstract: A cassette of tympanic thermometer probe covers includes a frame and probe covers releasably attached to the frame. The probe covers can be individually attached over a probe of a tympanic thermometer to protect the probe from contamination. The probe covers are constructed to releasably secure themselves to the probe. The force required to secure the probe covers to the frame is less that the force which is required to detach the probe covers from the frame so that the probe cover is held by the frame while being attached to the thermometer probe. The probe cover is connected to the frame by frangible connections that are arranged to inhibit pivoting of the probe cover when being attached to the thermometer probe. A method of securing a probe cover to a probe of a tympanic thermometer is also disclosed.

Abstract: An administration feeding set adapted to be loaded to a flow control apparatus is disclosed. The administration feeding set comprises tubing adapted suitably for fluid flow, a valve mechanism suitable for loading the administration feeding set to the flow control apparatus, and a mounting member adapted suitably for permitting identification of the functional configuration of the administration feeding set. Also disclosed is a method for administering fluid utilizing the administration feeding set. There are also disclosed novel valve mechanisms.

Abstract: A flow control apparatus having a flow monitoring system capable of detecting and identifying a downstream occlusion present within an administration feeding set loaded to the flow control apparatus is disclosed. A software subsystem is associated with the flow control apparatus and administration feeding set, the software system plots at least one discrete date point against a standard occlusion profile to detect if a downstream occlusion present within the administration feeding set.

Abstract: A compression sleeve is described as having a first sheet, a second sheet attached to said first sheet and defining at least one inflatable section, and at least one conduit disposed in the at least one of said inflatable sections.

Abstract: A tympanic thermometer includes a thermally conductive nozzle extending from a distal end of the thermometer. A base of a sensor can is thermally connected to the nozzle to define a path of conductive heat transfer from the nozzle to the base of the can thereby minimizing a thermal gradient between proximal and distal ends of the sensor can when temperature is measured in the ear.

Abstract: A compression treatment system is provided that includes a first bladder supported about a limb. A second bladder is supported about the limb. The bladders are in fluid communication with a fluid source and the bladders are inflated such that the first bladder is inflated for a first time period and the second bladder is inflated for a second time period. The second time period is initiated within the first time period. A single pressure sensor communicates with the first bladder and the second bladder.

Abstract: A probe cover for a tympanic thermometer probe comprises a generally tubular body having an opening for receiving the thermometer probe and an infrared transparent window at a distal end thereof. In one embodiment, a film support extends radially inward from the distal end of the body and supports an infrared transparent film spanning the window. The film support has an inner edge that is substantially free from corners turning in the plane of the window. A plurality of end ribs are spaced apart and disposed about an inner circumference of the distal end of the body to engage a distal end of the thermometer probe and form an insulating gap by preventing contact of the film by the thermometer probe. The insulating gap also extends proximally into spaces between the end ribs, reducing thermal contact between the thermometer probe and a circumferential inner surface of the probe cover.

Abstract: A compression treatment system is provided that detects the number of and type of garments connected thereto. The system includes a plurality of ports, valves connected thereto and a number of garments having one or more bladders. The bladders are in fluid communication with a fluid source in a pneumatic circuit, to provide compression therapy once a user confirms the number of and type of garments connected to the system for use by a patient. A single pressure sensor communicates with a plurality of detected bladders located in the one or more garments.

Abstract: An electronic thermometer is configured for ease and accuracy in construction. A probe of the thermometer includes a flex circuit containing electronic components used to measure temperature and transmit signals to a calculating unit of the thermometer. A locating member supported by the probe can function to pre-position the flex circuit prior to final fixation so that the electronic components are reliably positioned in manufacture.

Abstract: A compression treatment system is provided that detects the number of and type of garments connected thereto. The system includes a plurality of ports, valves connected thereto and a number of garments having one or more bladders. The bladders are in fluid communication with a fluid source in a pneumatic circuit, to provide compression therapy once a user confirms the number of and type of garments connected to the system for use by a patient. A single pressure sensor communicates with a plurality of detected bladders located in the one or more garments.

Abstract: A compression apparatus including an expandable body configured for disposal about a foot. A strap extends from the body. The strap is configured for disposal about the foot adjacent an ankle. The strap has a first layer configured to engage an outer surface of the foot adjacent the ankle, a second layer and a third cushion layer disposed therebetween. The body may include a metatarsal portion. The first layer and the second layer may be configured to provide a barrier to the third cushion layer. The first layer may be configured to prevent engagement of the third cushion layer with the outer surface of the foot.

Abstract: A portable enteral feeding apparatus (20) facilitates ambulatory enteral feeding and prevents damage to an enteral feeding tube during use. The apparatus includes a backpack type enteral feeding support, a soft pouch (38) having a hook and loop surface on the pouch and a rigid spacer (68). The pouch surrounds the fluid container (42), trapping and attaching it to the inside of a backpack using hook and loop system. The soft sided pouch provides easy removal and replacement of a variety of fluid containers in a mobile backpack. The rigid spacer supports the pouch and provides clearance for connection to enteral feeding tubing (32). Shoulder straps (26) substantially immobilize the apparatus relative to a subject. A telescopic enteral feeding tube concealment belt (30) is provided that allows patient mobility while concealing and protecting enteral feeding tubes.